Boston Terrier

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The Boston terrier breed originated around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased from a man named William O'Brien a dog named Judge (known later as Hooper's Judge), which was of a bull and terrier type lineage. Hooper's Judge is directly related to the original bull and terrier breeds of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The American Kennel Club cites Hooper's Judge as the ancestor of nearly all true modern Boston Terriers.[http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boston-terrier/#standard "Get to Know the Boston Terrier"], 'The American Kennel Club', retrieved 19 May 2014

{{contradictory|section|date=February 2024}}

Judge weighed about {{convert|32|lbs|kg|abbr=}}. Judge was bred to Edward Burnett's bitch named Gyp (or Kate). Gyp was a white bulldog-type female, owned by Edward Burnett, of Southboro, Massachusetts. She weighed about {{convert|20|lb}}, was stocky and strong and had the typical blocky head now shown in Bostons. From this foundation of the breed, subsequent breeders refined the breed into its modern-day presentation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/about-boston-terriers/boston-terrier-history.htm|title=The Boston Terrier Club Of America|website=www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org|access-date=2019-09-21}} Bred down in size from fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types, the Boston Terrier originally weighed up to {{convert|44|lbs|kg}} (Old Boston Bulldogs).

The Boston Terrier Club was formed in 1891; it was admitted to membership in the American Kennel Club in 1893. It is one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

In the early years, the color and markings were not very important to the breed's standard. By the 20th century the breed's distinctive markings and color were written into the standard, becoming an essential feature. The Boston Terrier has lost most of its aggressive nature, preferring the company of humans, although some males will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.{{cn|date=February 2024}} Boston University has used Rhett the Boston Terrier as their mascot since 1922.{{Cite web|url=https://goterriers.com/sports/2016/6/13/trads-rhett-html.aspx?id=830|title = Rhett}} The Boston Terrier has also been the official state dog of Massachusetts since 1979.{{cite web |last1=Hepburn |first1=David |title=State Dogs of American: Here are all 13 adorable state dogs of the USA - including the loving Boston Terrier |url=https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/state-dogs-of-american-here-are-all-13-adorable-state-dogs-of-the-usa-including-the-loving-boston-terrier-4072890 |website=The Scotsman |access-date=27 February 2024}}

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The Boston Terrier is a compactly built, well-proportioned dog. It has a square-looking head with erect ears and a slightly arched neck. The muzzle is short and generally wrinkle-free, with an even or a slightly undershot bite. The chest is broad and the tail is short.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=BST |title=CKC Breed Standards — Boston Terrier |website=CKC.ca|publisher=Canadian Kennel Club|access-date=2007-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216011643/http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=BST |archive-date=2007-02-16 |url-status=dead }} According to international breed standards, the dog should weigh no more than {{convert|25|lbs|kg}}. Boston Terriers usually stand up to {{convert|15-17|in}} at the withers.{{cite web |title=Boston Terrier Standard |url=https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BostonTerrier.pdf |website=American Kennel Club |access-date=27 February 2024}}

The American Kennel Club divides the breed into three classes: under 15 pounds, 15 pounds and under 20 pounds, 20 pounds and not exceeding 25 pounds.

The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal (seal appears as black with a red cast in lighting), or a combination of the three. Solid colors and colors not mentioned are not accepted by the breed standard.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Boston Terrier's markings are broken down into two categories: Required: which consists of a white chest, white muzzle band, and a white band between the eyes; and Desired: which includes the Required markings plus a white collar, white on the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs. For conformation showing, symmetrical markings are preferred. Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as "the American Gentleman."

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The Boston Terrier's large, prominent pair of eyes is a distinguishable feature. The breed's round eyes are set widely apart, are large in size, and located squarely in the skull.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/boston-terrier-health/boston-terrier-eyes.htm|title=Boston Terrier eyes|last=Boston Terrier Club of America|website=Boston Terrier Club of America|access-date=April 26, 2018}}

The breed's genetic makeup produces a short tail.{{Cite web|url=https://pets.thenest.com/boston-terriers-tails-curl-7264.html|title=Do Boston Terriers' tails curl?|last=Chester|first=Jo|website=The Nest|access-date=May 10, 2018}} These short tails can take the shape of a corkscrew, or curl, or they can be straight. Generally, Boston Terriers' tails do not exceed {{convert|2|in}} in length.{{Cite web|url=http://www.easypetmd.com/doginfo/boston-terrier|title=Boston Terrier|website=Easy Pet MD|access-date=May 10, 2018|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715140319/http://easypetmd.com/doginfo/boston-terrier|url-status=dead}}

Boston Terrier is a gentle breed that typically has a strong, happy-go-lucky, and friendly personality with a merry sense of humor. Boston Terriers are generally eager to please their owner and can be easily trained.{{Cite web|url=http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/boston-terrier#grooming|title=Boston Terrier|website=Vet Street|access-date=May 9, 2018}}{{bettersourceneeded|date=February 2024}} They can be very protective of their owners, which may result in aggressive and territorial behavior toward other pets and strangers.{{cn|date=February 2024}}

Both females and males are generally quiet and bark only when necessary.Cline, Mrs. Charles D. (1995). Boston Terriers. T.F. H. Publications, Inc. {{ISBN|0-7938-2397-8}}. Their usually sensible attitude toward barking makes them excellent choices for apartment dwellers.{{bettersourceneeded|date=February 2024}} They enjoy being around people, get along well with children, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets, if properly socialized.

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A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 11.8 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 }}

Curvature of the back, called roaching, might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs.

The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic breed of dog.{{cite journal | last1=Ekenstedt | first1=K.J. | last2=Crosse | first2=K.R. | last3=Risselada | first3=M. | title=Canine Brachycephaly: Anatomy, Pathology, Genetics and Welfare | journal=Journal of Comparative Pathology | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=176 | year=2020 | issn=0021-9975 | doi=10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.008 | pages=109–115| pmid=32359622 | pmc=7380493 }} Brachycephaly refers to the shortened muzzle of the breed which results in a pushed-in appearance of the face.{{cite web |last1=Weir |first1=Malcolm |last2=Williams |first2=Krista |last3=Yuill |first3=Cheryl |title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs |url=https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs |website=VCA Hospitals |access-date=28 February 2024}} Brachycephaly results in deformation of the upper airway tract and leads to obstruction of breathing.{{cite journal | last=Hendricks | first=Joan C. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=22 | issue=5 | year=1992 | issn=0195-5616 | doi=10.1016/s0195-5616(92)50306-0 | pages=1145–1153| doi-access=free | pmid=1523786 }} Effects of brachycephaly are stridor, stertorous breathing, emesis, skin fold dermatitis, brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, exophthalmos, pharyngeal gag reflex, cyanosis, and laryngeal collapse.{{cite journal | last1=TC | first1=Amis | last2=C | first2=Kurpershoek | title=Pattern of breathing in brachycephalic dogs | journal=American Journal of Veterinary Research | date=1986 | publisher=Am J Vet Res | volume=47 | issue=10 | pages=2200–2204 | issn=0002-9645 | pmid=3777646 | url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3777646/ | access-date=2024-02-06 }}{{cite journal | last1=Hendricks | first1=J. C. | last2=Kline | first2=L. R. | last3=Kovalski | first3=R. J. | last4=O'Brien | first4=J. A. | last5=Morrison | first5=A. R. | last6=Pack | first6=A. I. | title=The English bulldog: a natural model of sleep-disordered breathing | journal=Journal of Applied Physiology | publisher=American Physiological Society | volume=63 | issue=4 | date=1987-10-01 | issn=8750-7587 | doi=10.1152/jappl.1987.63.4.1344 | pages=1344–1350| pmid=3693167 }}{{cite journal | last=Hendricks | first=Joan C. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=22 | issue=5 | year=1992 | issn=0195-5616 | doi=10.1016/s0195-5616(92)50306-0 | pages=1145–1153| doi-access=free | pmid=1523786 }}{{cite journal | last=Meola | first=Stacy D. | title=Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome | journal=Topics in Companion Animal Medicine | publisher=Elsevier BV | volume=28 | issue=3 | year=2013 | issn=1938-9736 | doi=10.1053/j.tcam.2013.06.004 | pages=91–96| pmid=24182996 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2335 |title=Reverse Sneezing (Pharyngeal Gag Reflex) |last=Lundgrun |first=Becky |date=26 June 2006 |work= VeterinaryPartner.com |access-date=26 December 2009}}{{cite journal | last1=Sebbag | first1=Lionel | last2=Sanchez | first2=Rick F. | title=The pandemic of ocular surface disease in brachycephalic dogs: The brachycephalic ocular syndrome | journal=Veterinary Ophthalmology | volume=26 | issue=S1 | date=2023 | issn=1463-5216 | doi=10.1111/vop.13054 | pages=31–46| doi-access=free | pmid=36585820 }}{{cite journal | last1=Hobi | first1=Stefan | last2=Barrs | first2=Vanessa R. | last3=Bęczkowski | first3=Paweł M. | title=Dermatological Problems of Brachycephalic Dogs | journal=Animals | publisher=MDPI AG | volume=13 | issue=12 | date=2023-06-16 | issn=2076-2615 | doi=10.3390/ani13122016 | doi-access=free | page=2016| pmid=37370526 | pmc=10294810 }} Other issues arising from brachycephaly are risk of complications whilst under anaesthesia,{{cite journal | last1=Gruenheid | first1=Michaela | last2=Aarnes | first2=Turi K. | last3=McLoughlin | first3=Mary A. | last4=Simpson | first4=Elaine M. | last5=Mathys | first5=Dimitria A. | last6=Mollenkopf | first6=Dixie F. | last7=Wittum | first7=Thomas E. | title=Risk of anesthesia-related complications in brachycephalic dogs | journal=Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association | publisher=American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) | volume=253 | issue=3 | date=2018-08-01 | issn=0003-1488 | doi=10.2460/javma.253.3.301 | pages=301–306| pmid=30020004 | s2cid=51676839 }} and hyperthermia — with the latter caused due to an inability to effectively reduce body temperature via panting.{{cite journal | last=Ewers Clark | first=Anna | title=Heatstroke and brachycephalic dogs – is there an increased risk? | journal=Veterinary Evidence | volume=7 | issue=4 | date=2022-12-22 | issn=2396-9776 | doi=10.18849/ve.v7i4.534 | page=| doi-access=free }}

Bostons frequently require caesarean section to give birth, with over 80% of litters in a UK Kennel Club survey delivered this way.{{Cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00902.x |pmid=20136998 |year=2010 |last1=Evans |first1=K. |last2=Adams |first2=V. |title=Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section |volume=51 |issue=2 |pages=113–118 |journal=The Journal of Small Animal Practice |url=http://www.bakalo.com/C-Section-rates-purebreed-dogs.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406144345/http://www.bakalo.com/C-Section-rates-purebreed-dogs.pdf |archive-date=2016-04-06 }}{{cite web

|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/9405067/why_do_over_80_per_cent_of_bulldog_births_happen_by_caesarian_section/

|title=Why do over 80 per cent of Bulldog births happen by caesarian section?

|author=Wedderburn, Peter

|work=The Daily Telegraph

|date=6 April 2009

|access-date=28 March 2011

|url-status=dead

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813011429/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/9405067/why_do_over_80_per_cent_of_bulldog_births_happen_by_caesarian_section

|archive-date= 13 August 2011

}} A UK study found Boston Terrier bitches to be 12.9 times more likely to experience dystocia.{{cite web |last1=Packer |first1=Rowena |title=New study reveals flat faced dogs have the highest risk when giving birth. |url=https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-study-reveals-flat-faced-dogs-have-the-highest-risk-when-giving-birth |website=Royal Veterinary College |publisher=University of London |access-date=13 March 2024}}

The breed is predisposed to the following dermatological conditions: atopic dermatitis,{{cite book | last1=Rhodes | first1=Karen Helton | last2=Werner | first2=Alexander H. | title=Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion | publisher=Wiley-Blackwell | publication-place=Ames, Iowa | date=2011-01-25 | isbn=978-0-8138-1596-1 | page=94}} allergic skin disease, demodicosis,{{cite journal | last1=Plant | first1=Jon D. | last2=Lund | first2=Elizabeth M. | last3=Yang | first3=Mingyin | title=A case–control study of the risk factors for canine juvenile-onset generalized demodicosis in the USA | journal=Veterinary Dermatology | volume=22 | issue=1 | date=2011 | issn=0959-4493 | doi=10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00922.x | pages=95–99| pmid=20707860 }} hyperadrenocorticism, mast cell tumour, pattern alopecia, and zinc-responsive dermatosis.{{cite book | last1=Hnilica | first1=Keith A. | last2=Patterson | first2=Adam P. | title=Small Animal Dermatology | publisher=Saunders | publication-place=St. Louis (Miss.) | date=2016-09-19 | isbn=978-0-323-37651-8 | page=}}

A study in North America of veterinary records of almost 10,000 Boston Terriers and over 1,000,000 dogs found 0.36% of Boston Terriers to have hip dysplasia compared to 3.52% overall.{{cite journal | last1=Adams | first1=V. J. | last2=Evans | first2=K. M. | last3=Sampson | first3=J. | last4=Wood | first4=J. L. N. | title=Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=51 | issue=10 | date=2010-10-01 | doi=10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.00974.x | pages=512–524| pmid=21029096 }}

The Boston Terrier is one of the most commonly affected breeds for hereditary cataracts.{{cite book |author1-first=James A.C. |author1-last=Oliver |author2-first=Cathryn S. |author2-last=Mellersh | editor1-first=Barbara | editor1-last=Cooper | editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Mullineaux |editor3-first=Lynn | editor3-last=Turner |title=BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing |date=2020 |publisher=British Small Animal Veterinary Association |isbn=978-1-910-44339-2 |edition=Sixth|chapter=Genetics| page=131}}

In 1921 at a ceremony to commemorate the United States' 102nd Infantry, the U.S. Army awarded a gold medal to an honorable war dog: Sergeant Stubby.{{Cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2014/05/dogs_of_war_sergeant_stubby_the_u_s_army_s_original_and_still_most_highly.html|title=Sergeant Stubby|last=Kane|first=Gillian|website=Slate|date=8 May 2014|access-date=May 10, 2018}} The Boston Bull Terrier, possessing three service stripes and one wound stripe, was given a rank in the U.S. Army-making him the first dog to ever earn it. The comforting, protective war dog was also rewarded a medal by France. Sergeant Stubby died in 1926 with the legacy of being the United States' "greatest war dog."

Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC has had a live Boston Terrier mascot named Blitz since 2003 that attends home football games.{{Cite web|url=https://woffordterriers.com/sports/2007/10/28/GEN_1028072210.aspx|title = Meet the Mascots}}

In 2012, a high school student named Victoria Reed took the advice of her veterinarian and submitted a photo of her Boston Terrier, Bruschi, to Guinness World Records.{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/dog-with-largest-eyes-bruschi-record-texas_n_1546497.html|title=World's largest dog eyes: Bruschi the Boston Terrier eyeballs world record|last=Moye|first=David|date=May 26, 2012|website=Huffington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428111011/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/dog-with-largest-eyes-bruschi-record-texas_n_1546497.html|archive-date=April 28, 2017|access-date=April 3, 2018}} With each eye being 1.1 inches, or 28 mm, in diameter, Bruschi is recognized by Guinness to be the dog with the largest eyes.

Lennu, the pet from 2012 to 2021 of Sauli Niinistö, the President of Finland, was present at many of his less formal appearances and well known in Finland.Nagesh, Ashitha: [http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/23/finlands-president-has-a-top-quality-dog-6467079/ Finland's President has a top quality dog], Metro 23 February 2017. Accessed on 28 September 2017. Photos of the pair went viral in the United States in 2017.[https://www.menaiset.fi/artikkeli/ajankohtaista/sauli-niiniston-lennu-koira-taman-hetken-tunnetuin-suomalainen-7-kuvaa-jotka Sauli Niinistön Lennu-koira on tämän hetken tunnetuin suomalainen – 7 kuvaa, jotka selittävät suosion], Me Naiset 23 February 2017. Accessed on 28 September 2017.Shapiro, Rebecca: [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/twitter-is-obsessed-with-the-president-of-finlands-dog-lennu_us_58ae8863e4b05ca474a0b8d7 The President Of Finland's Dog, Lennu, Is Melting Hearts Across The Globe], Huffington Post 23 February 2017. Accessed on 28 September 2017.[https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000005102759.html Lennun voittokulku Yhdysvalloissa jatkuu: Jimmy Fallon matki Niinistön koiran legendaarista virnistystä, yleisö villiintyi], Ilta-Sanomat 24 February 2017. Accessed on 28 September 2017.

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{{reflist|30em}}

• Bulanda, Susan (1994). Boston Terriers. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. {{ISBN|0-8120-1696-3}}.
• Lee, Muriel (1998). The Official Book of the Boston Terrier. TFH Publications. ASIN: B013J9J8WO.
• Axtell, Edward (1910) The Boston Terrier And All About It. The Dogdom Publishing Company. Battle Creek, Michigan. First Edition.

{{commons}}

{{Americana poster|Boston Terrier}}

• [http://www.bostonterrierclubofamerica.org/ Boston Terrier Club of America, Inc.]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20010405120520/http://www.bostonterrierclubofcanada.com/ Boston Terrier Club of Canada]
• {{gutenberg|no=18033|name=The Boston Terrier and All About It}} (First published 1910)
• {{ws|“The Boston Terrier” in The power of the dog by Arthur Croxton Smith. 1910}}

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